Content

IMER III: Research Methodology

Summary

The aim of the course is to provide the student with basic knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative research procedures. The course begins with lectures on philosophy of science, focusing on how science is different from other types of knowledge. The issue of establishing boundary lines between qualitative and quantitative research methods is addressed. Students will also be introduced to sampling procedures, and will learn how to collect, analyse and interpret empirical material. They will also carry out group exercises in method.

Admission requirements

Prerequisite courses for this course are: Passed courses: IM101E-International Migration and Ethnic Relations I or IM101L-International Migration and Ethnic Relations IIM236E-IMER: Migration, Politics and Social Welfare or IM238L-IMER II: Migration, Politics and Social Welfare and IM235E-IMER: The Challenges of Ethnic Diversity or IM237L-IMER II: The Challenges of Ethnic Diversity.

Entry requirements

Prerequisite courses for this course are: Passed courses: IM101E-International Migration and Ethnic Relations I or IM101L-International Migration and Ethnic Relations IIM236E-IMER: Migration, Politics and Social Welfare or IM238L-IMER II: Migration, Politics and Social Welfare and IM235E-IMER: The Challenges of Ethnic Diversity or IM237L-IMER II: The Challenges of Ethnic Diversity.

Specialisation and progression relative to the degree regulations

The course is part of the main field of study International Migration and Ethnic Relations 61-90 credit level and meets the degree requirements for the degree of Bachelor, main field of study International Migration and Ethnic Relations.

Purpose

The aim of the course is to assure that students acquire knowledge, skills and understanding of the research process. IMER is a multidisciplinary subject which, among other things, means that IMER students have to be well acquainted with a variety of methods and techniques. The course is centered on research design and methodology, covering the philosophical foundations, theoretical assumptions and concrete methods and techniques of different methodologies. It also covers some of the ethical aspects involved in research. The aim of the course is to assure that student acquire an understanding of how these elements are contingent on one another; that they can make an informed choice of design based on research subject and aim; and that they have an ability to independently plan and reflect on small research projects.

Contents

The course covers the most important research designs/methodologies in IMER research such as statistics, comparative analysis, case studies, experiments, text analysis and narrative analyses, both with respect to philosophical and theoretical foundations and concrete methods and techniques of data collection.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Describe the main characteristics of different methodologies in IMER research.

Describe the main philosophical and theoretical foundations of different methodologies in IMER research.

Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies in IMER research.

Assess the relevance and applicability of different methodologies in relation to diverse research aims and questions.

Assess the relevance and reliability of different forms of data collection for a given research topic and aim.

Demonstrate an understanding of the methodological implications of different philosophical and theoretical standpoints.

Demonstrate a deeper ability to analyze and critically assess the progress within the research field of IMER.

Formulate a delimited research topic and link it to an appropriate research design.

Plan small research projects.

Analyze, discuss and compare research projects in a critical and constructive manner.

Learning activities

Lectures and seminars.

Assessments

The course is assessed i) through active participation and presentation of written work in the seminars (5 credits) and ii) through the production of an individually written paper (10 credits).

Re-take examinations
Students who do not pass the regular course exams have the minimum of two re-take opportunities. Re-takes follow the same form as the original exams, apart from re-takes for seminar participation, which take the form of individual written assignments.

Course evaluation

The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

Interim rules

If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.